THE EXCAVATION OF TOMB M277 IN YUNMENG, HUBEI:INSIGHTS INTO THE WARRING STATES, QIN, AND HAN PERIODS AT THE ZHENGJIAHU CEMETERY
The Zhengjiahu cemetery, situated in the southeastern outskirts of Yunmeng County near the capital city of Chu, is a significant burial site dating back to the Warring States,Qin, and Han periods. Excavations in 2021 revealed Qin tombs of various sizes, including tomb M277, recognized as a first-rank burial due to its large size and the discovery of two sets of bronze ritual vessels and a pig head. The burial containers are well-preserved,consisting of an inner coffin and an outer coffin. It also features head compartment, side compartment, door, and window. This tomb, dating to the early years of the Western Han dynasty, housed an elderly woman, facing west in a flexed posture. Over 120 artifacts and sets were discovered, including items made of bronze, pottery, lacquered wood, and jade,with emphasis on lacquered woodware. The waterlogged conditions contributed to the excellent preservation of many lacquer items, showcasing intricate designs and cultural significance. The excavation yielded important written materials, such as a tomb inventory and an inscription on a bronze ding-cauldron. The information on the tomb inventory aligns well with the artifacts unearthed, offering valuable insights into the burial practices and naming conventions of that period. Each of the 11 pottery pieces was documented individually. The records about the lacquerware are exceptionally detailed, with the classifications of the lacquer cups (large, medium, small) precisely corresponding to their actual sizes and decorative patterns. The inscription on the bronze ding-cauldron indicates it was used over several hundred years and engraved multiple times, offering a rare glimpse into the late Warring States period's system of artisan inscription, as well as the usage and circulation of bronze wares. The tomb features a mix of artifacts from both Qin and Chu cultures, along with distinct influences from the Northern Steppe culture. This comprehensive collection, including physical artifacts, images, and texts, paints a rich historical portrait of the early Han period's "Qin people," capturing details of their funeral customs, lifestyle, social structures, and cultural transformations.
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